WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Police are investigating a fatal crash in Southeast, D.C. involving a pedestrian and several cars.

MPD Lieutenant Ronald Wilkins says that a white van struck approximately six vehicles between Southern Avenue and the 4400 block of Benning Road.

The driver ultimately came to a crashing stop at 44th and Benning, a few blocks after hitting a woman. But not before causing about eight blocks of destruction just after 6:00 p.m., a busy time of day for the area.

"It looked crazy when I saw it. My light was green and his was red," said Kevin Miller, who was in his car when a white van came barreling through the intersection at Benning and East Capitol.

Johnson also hit and killed a female pedestrian who was crossing the street.

"We have some information that she was trying to get out of the way of the vehicle," said Lt. Ronald Wilkins. Preliminary investigation shows the the pedestrian was in the crosswalk, officials said.

Police have identified the victim as 24-year-old Shamika Latrice Smith of SE DC.

Four adults were taken to the hospital. Johnson is in police custody and is charged with Second Degree Murder, officials said. Johnson was driving under the influence of narcotics and police are awaiting a toxicology report to confirm which drug or drugs were present in his system.

The crash is under investigation and the cause is unknown at this time. Officials say there is no indication that the van was being chased.